Trampoline Science

[elineiman13]

My science experiment is testing and comparing different objects of the same weight and different size, and testing the difference in bounce on a trampoline. I also added a third object that is bigger and weighs more than the other two objects. To collect data, and measure how high the different objects bounced on the trampoline, I made a scale of colored paper that were all measured out to one inch per paper. I then filmed the balls dropping, and put the recordings in slow motion. I could see in the slow motion video where the ball was and how many pieces of one inch paper it was off the trampoline. I also compared the bounces on the trampoline to the same objects on concrete. I was wondering if there are any ways I could have collected data in a different or better way? Also do you think the concrete comparison was needed? When the object lands on the trampoline does it absorb less energy than it does on the ground?

Thanks!

[deleted-141593]

This is a slightly complicated question. There are several variables as presented:

1. Elasticity of the surface (Trampoline vs Concrete)
2. Elasticity of the objects (presuming they were not all the same material)
3. Weight of the objects

I don't know how much physics you have been exposed to yet. This question requires understanding inelastic collisions, conservation of momentum, impulse, and several of the Newtonian motion equations: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hb ... .html#mot1

Briefly, assuming the objects were all dropped from the same height, the weight of the objects will determine how much kinetic energy they have at the time of impact: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/ke.html#ke

The relative elasticities of the objects and the surfaces (concrete or trampoline) will determine how much of the kinetic energy is lost in the collision (and released as heat etc) and how much
goes toward pushing the object back up into the air. This link explains inelastic collisions: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hb ... ol.html#c1 and you can also find information on perfectly elastic collisions there.

Finally, once you know how much energy is lost and how much goes back into pushing the object up you must take into account the different weights of the objects. The weight will affect how high the energy returned to the object causes it to rise in the air.

Let me know how much of this makes sense so we can interpret the results together.

Cheers,
Colin

[deleted-71603]

Hello. We noticed you have duplicate threads going on the same topic. It helps both our mentors and other students to limit the discussion to one thread so everyone sees what has already been discussed. You are receiving excellent advice here, so we closed your other thread.

Thanks for using Science Buddies, and good luck in with your project!